Digital Learning Materials in Teaching and Their Influence on Learners’ Performance in Biology: A Case of Kalawa Secondary School, Kitui County, Kenya
| dc.contributor.author | Kavoso, Emmanuel Mumo | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-03-16T12:53:17Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-03-16T12:53:17Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025-09 | |
| dc.description | A Research Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Education (Biology Education) in the Department of Educational Communication, School of Education and Lifelong Learning, Kenyatta University, September 2025. Supervisors Dr. Aineah Wang’anya Wambasi Dr. Florence Kiragu Nyamu | |
| dc.description.abstract | Use of technology has influenced education sector by enabling teachers to allow repetition and variation in presentation of complex content in class easily. Other than motivation, use of Digital learning materials ensures high content retention. Kalawa Secondary (KS) had been recording consistent low performance in Biology between year 2014 and 2022. The school benefited from equipped computer laboratory through Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) by the government. Science teachers were taken through in-service training for ICT skills. This study investigated use of digital learning materials in teaching and its influence on learners’ performance in Kalawa Secondary. The study objectives were: (a) to identify available digital learning resources for the use in teaching Biology; (b) to explore challenges facing teachers of Biology during integration of technology; and (c) to establish influence of digital learning materials integration on learners’ performance. The research used descriptive research design. Qualitative and quantitative data was collected using checklists, Biology teacher questionnaires, Principal interview schedule and Lesson observation sheets research instruments. The study was grounded on Vygotsky social constructivist learning theory. A target population of eight (8) teachers of Biology and 750 students taking Biology was used. Purposive sampling was done to pick six (6) teachers of Biology, four (4) Form II Biology classes and the principal. Piloting was done with two (2) teachers of Biology at neighboring school of equal status. Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) was used in data analysis based on study objectives. The study revealed that the school had insufficient Biology ICT resources. In addition, 75% of teachers of Biology used technology in at least a single lesson per week while 25% never did. The study revealed a strong positive relationship between use of digital learning materials and students’ performance in Biology (r=0.652). The findings will benefit curriculum developers at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), ICT and QAS departments in MOE to evaluate the significance of technology use in secondary schools. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/32765 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Kenyatta University | |
| dc.title | Digital Learning Materials in Teaching and Their Influence on Learners’ Performance in Biology: A Case of Kalawa Secondary School, Kitui County, Kenya | |
| dc.type | Thesis |